Sue Eggins has dedicated her expertise to local Kiama history. Her contributions to, and passion for, preserving the heritage of the area are truly noteworthy. Sue has embarked on her third career, dedicating her passion and knowledge to preserving the rich history of Kiama. Sue's journey from being a school science teacher to a registered psychologist and now a local historian illustrates the possibility of multiple careers that we can enjoy in a lifetime.

A dedicated member of the Kiama Historical Society (KHS) since the mid-80s, Sue currently serves as the President. Under her guidance, the old Pilot's Cottage on the hill, a museum dedicated to Kiama's history, has become a treasure trove of artifacts, photos, and stories carefully curated by the KHS allowing the community to connect with their history and heritage.

Sue's dedication to heritage buildings, such as Barroul House and the former Police House in Terralong Street, showcases her commitment to preserving Kiama's architectural history. She has been a driving force behind their maintenance.

The Bugle had the privilege of touring the Pilot's Cottage with Sue and received a firsthand account of the area's rich and fascinating history. The cottage, with its heritage-listed status, boasts high ceilings and rich cedar floors, doors, and architraves, making it a significant historical landmark.

 Pilot’s Cottage Museum, Kiama (The Bugle: Steven White)

In addition to local indigenous history, Sue gave an account about the local quarrying, mining, farming, cedar gathering, shipwrecks, and heritage houses. She is a wealth of information about all things 'Kiama,' and particularly enjoys sharing the stories of two significant local personalities: Orry-Kelly and Charmian Clift.

Orry-Kelly, born in Kiama in 1897, had a remarkable career as a prolific Australian costume designer and three-time Oscar winner. Sue's dedication to researching Orry-Kelly's life and contributions has helped shed light on this often-forgotten Australian talent.

Sue stumbled over a copy of a Vogue magazine with an article about Orry and from there she pieced together the story about his life. In New York Orry shared an apartment with Archibald Leach, better known as Cary Grant. He counted Tony Curtis, Billy Wilder and George Cukor amongst his friends.

Orry had written a biography entitled ‘Women I’ve Undressed’, and a copy of the manuscript, along with his three Oscars were left to Ann Warner, wife of Jack Warner (Head of Warner Studios) upon his death in 1964.

The story remained untold until famous Australian Director Gilliam Armstrong made a documentary film in 2015 about Orry entitled ‘Women He’s Undressed’. Until that time Orry-Kelly had not been acknowledged in Australia and almost forgotten in the US, the adopted country of his greatest success. During the boom years of Hollywood, he was the costume designer on an astonishing 282 motion pictures, and designed for iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Rosalind Russell, Errol Flynn and many more. His films included ‘Some Like It Hot’, ‘Casablanca’, ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘Now, Voyager’. Orry-Kelly won three Academy Awards and was nominated for a fourth. He was Head of Warner Brothers Costume Department during the richest period of American film. Orry was gay, uncompromising, outrageous, witty, outspoken, and a drinker. He was partially protected by his friendship with the Warners, and by gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and also due to his extraordinary talent.

Sue was proud to be credited as a Researcher for this film and also wants to point out that the concert stage in Hindmarsh Park has been named the ‘Orry-Kelly Stage’.

Sue is planning making Podcasts on Kiama Community Radio, under the tutelage of Gabi Cabral, to tell the colourful Orry-Kelly story. She has become an expert, having given already dozens of talks about him.

Sue Eggins, President Kiama Historical Society (The Bugle: Steven White)

The other colourful local close to Sue's heart was Charmian Clift, Australia's renowned essayist. Charmian's early life in Kiama greatly influenced her work, and the meticulous research displays by Sue, Malcolm Bedford, and Heather Bell at the museum have contributed to her recognition.

Charmian wrote often for the Sydney Morning Herald – over 240 essays - mostly about life. Born in Kiama in 1923 Charmian grew up in one of the quarry workers' cottages at the southern end of Bombo Beach. She led a varied and interesting life and went on to become an internationally recognised writer, and literary collaborator. She was married in 1949 to author George Johnston, winner of the Miles Franklin Award-for ‘My Brother Jack’. She lived in Sydney with him and their three children until her suicide in 1969 at age 45 due to significant life pressures.

KHS nominated Charmian Clift for a Blue Plaque which has been awarded by Heritage NSW, but this hasn’t yet been formally announced by the Minister. It will eventually be displayed outside the Kiama Library.

The Kiama Historical Society (KHS) is self-funded, and the dedication of Sue and the other society members is vital to its success. Challenges lie ahead as many of its committee members are in their mid-70s, raising concerns about succession.

Before the Covid pandemic, the museum was open daily, but the current reality has limited its operation to weekends from 11 am to 3 pm. The need for more volunteers to welcome and guide museum visitors is crucial to continuing the society's mission.

Sue's dedication to preserving Kiama's history and the KHS's upcoming event, a talk by Kiama's own Rick Scott-Murphy. The event is on October 21 at The Family History Auditorium, commencing at 2 pm. Tickets for this event are priced at $3 for KHS members and $5 for non-members.

Sue Eggins is not only a local historian but a true custodian of Kiama's heritage, ensuring that the stories of the past are not forgotten.

There are many rooms in the museum that contain fascinating information about Kiama. (The Bugle: Steven White)